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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 19, 2019 11:22 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Donna Bullock |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week |
| Childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children. However, nearly half a million children in the United States have unsafe blood lead levels. Pennsylvania has the sixth-highest percentage rate for children suffering from lead poisoning, but this number only considers children who have been formally diagnosed. It is estimated that only 30 percent of children in Pennsylvania are tested for lead poisoning. Not only does testing for lead exposure establish the first step towards treatment, but it also reduces the risk of further exposure and allows high risk communities across the Commonwealth to be identified. In most cases, there are no symptoms of lead poisoning and the condition may only be apparent once dangerous blood lead levels have been reached. Children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning because their brains and central nervous systems are still developing. Even at low levels, lead exposure can result in health complications such as anemia, kidney damage, stunted growth, and hearing problems. Each year, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week addresses this public health issue by raising awareness about the sources of lead exposure and the steps to prevent and reduce lead poisoning. As such, I will be introducing a resolution designating October 20 – 26, 2019, as “National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week” in Pennsylvania. Lead remains a serious threat to public health, particularly for children. Please join me in supporting this resolution in an effort to eliminate the prevalence of lead poisoning in the Commonwealth. |
Introduced as HR581